Characters and Actors

It’s the third week of August, and our cooler weather is so out of character for Arkansas. Even a nearby chameleon notices the change. He lays in the flowers changing colors so as not to be seen by enemies. I asked God, “Is he acting or is this his character?” I chuckled at God’s humor. Now, my mind wonders to famous, well-known actors, like the John Wayne’s and Clint Eastwood’s, which we gravitated to in their popular years of movies. Were they acting or were some of the characters they played honestly their personality? Were these stars the same both on and off the silver screen? Did their colors change when they were out of sight?

Furthering my thoughts, other actors of the twentieth century came and went with fictitious credentials, some blatantly spying like a Bond 007 character. They ended up in court with their integrity in question. Today, I observe Christians we know personally, perhaps family members or close friends. Is their character in question or are they, too, acting like standup, righteous people? Are they chameleons camouflaging their colors from church on Sunday to their real character Monday through Saturday? Some people stay in a marriage for a very long time, but one day they walk away from the commitment. Was their life just an act? Did we just see someone that finally came out of the closet? It makes you wonder how long we must live with another before we feel comfortable? Do we ever really know someone?

Then there are the hypocrites who serve their church faithfully yet walk out its doors and live an ungodly lifestyle. How can one justify this actor’s life with God? What would happen to them if Jesus returned to earth five minutes from now? Yes, we are all hypocrites but some more so than others. A real Christian life is not about acting a role or playing a character. Shady characters best define their integrity for they practice their sins routinely.

We should take an honest look in the mirror and decide where we fit upon the stage of Christianity. Are we the chameleon for Jesus or a Jesse James to those who know us? Are we a Christian in name only? Jesus took hypocrisy very seriously.

With acting and our characters aside, a true believer’s heart loves and trusts Christ explicitly. Hypocrites want Christ for the good He might do them in the world. A true Christian will love God sincerely and strive to keep His commandments; a hypocrite will clean up their act for men to observe and relieve their subconscious mind. God is sitting in the wings with His arms crossed, shaking His head at the bad character.

But, for some lucky few, He smiles and sends blessing after blessing along with a stamp approval. Your one of His children appointed to walk in His Son’s light. God bless you!

Dana S. Bicks, a Severna Park, Maryland native, was born a left-handed dyslexic, and falsely labeled "retarded" as a young child. He struggled throughout his life with the disability when at the age of sixty, a miracle occurred. God, in His infinite grace and wisdom, awoke Dana and demanded him to be a writer of His messages to the world. Shortly after finding humor in God's suggestion, Dana picked up a pen. He began writing, right-handed nonetheless, Christian struggles of life, and prayers ascribed to him by the Lord. In June 2017, Dana and his wife created this inspirational blog which currently maintains 19.6 million readers in twenty-nine countries across the world. It has won numerous awards including a Top 30 Inspirational Blog Website To Follow in 2018 as awarded by Feedspot.com in May 2018. His blog is followed by numerous celebrities, ministries, authors, and people in all walks of life. Only God's hand could allow an unexperienced writer to grow a fellowship of such success in less than a year! Dana Bicks shares these stories in his beautiful books, blogs, and social media platforms. His new inspirational book series, "There In God's Grace", will be released September 27, 2018. Dana’s creative, talented writing can only be heaven sent!

Hi Dana, yessss – it really is good to find another Arkansasan! When I tell people where I’m from, they always look at me really weird, like “Where is That??” I’m like, It’s part of the 50 states and it does exist…lol. I’m from North Little Rock, Arkansas. I do enjoy your blog and do plan to purchase your book. I have one one coming out on the 4th entitled “Billy Wolf and the Kids of Heavenly Hills Elementary” It’s a book about bullying and is faith based. What part of Arkansas do you live in?

We live in Siloam Springs. People who don’t know where Arkansas is??? LOL!! I used to live in North Little Rock but that was in the late 80’s. Is your book for young adults? I have a 14 book children’s series to get released next year – Dr. Peacock and Friends. We’re shopping new illustrators. It is actually a faith-based children’s series and my wife and I are completely re-editing the entire edition. We still have another inspirational book (Book 2) to get released after the first of the year. So extremely busy!

Oh okay and Yes, can you believe it? They had no clue…lol. My book is for elementary aged kids but the message could be for YA’s as well as adults. Oh Wow, that sounds like it’s going to be a great series and yes, you two are extremely busy…in which I know how that goes. If you need a good illustrator – the guy that did my book was phenomenal – I have pics if you would like to see them. I found him through fiverr and he’s quite an amazing artist and has won a couple of awards.